What consequence may arise if a sponsor fails to cooperate with a Home Office investigation?

The consequence that may arise if a sponsor fails to cooperate with a Home Office investigation is the escalation of compliance actions or revocation of their licence. When a sponsor is under investigation, their cooperation is crucial for the assessment and resolution of any potential issues. Non-cooperation can signal a lack of commitment to compliance and the governance structure that ensures safe and lawful practice.

As a result, the Home Office may take this as a serious violation, leading to enhanced scrutiny of the sponsor's operations, potential penalties, or, in the most severe cases, the revocation of their license altogether. This reinforces the message that adherence to compliance and collaborative behavior during investigations is critical for maintaining operating licenses in regulated environments.

The other options are less plausible because increased funding for compliance training is unlikely to be a consequence of non-cooperation, and failing to cooperate would not lead to eligibility for a license renewal extension or automatic approval of pending applications. Such outcomes suggest a positive relationship with compliance, which contradicts the implications of failing to engage with an investigation.